All posts by Rick Hasen

“Emil Bove Continued to Work at Justice Dept. After Judicial Confirmation”

August 29, 2025, 7:29 amconflict of interest laws, Department of JusticeRick Hasen

NYT: Emil Bove III, a senior Trump administration official, was narrowly confirmed last month to serve as an appeals court judge, brushing past a bitter confirmation fight despite concerns that he would carry out the president’s directives while on the… Continue reading

“Utah to proceed with redrawing map that could help Dems, despite pressure from Trump”

August 29, 2025, 7:27 amredistrictingRick Hasen

WaPo: Republican leaders of the Utah Legislature said Thursday they would follow a court order to redraw the state’s congressional map — which could help Democrats — even as President Donald Trump pressures them to shut the opposition party out.… Continue reading

With Louisiana Essentially Flipping Sides in Callais Case Before Supreme Court and Arguing Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act is Unconstitutional, Full Defense Shifts to Voting Rights Groups

August 28, 2025, 7:50 amSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

As noted yesterday, Louisiana essentially flipped sides in the Lousiana v. Callais case. In an earlier brief, Louisiana argued that its congressional districts were not a racial gerrymander because politics, rather than race, predominated in drawing district lines. Now… Continue reading

“Trump attacks Utah’s anti-gerrymandering ruling”

August 28, 2025, 7:37 amUncategorizedRick Hasen

Axios: President Trump took to Truth Social on Wednesday afternoon to attack a Utah court ruling that ordered new congressional maps pursuant to an anti-gerrymandering lawsuit. What they’re saying: Trump claimed Monday’s order by state judge Dianna Gibson is “absolutely” unconstitutional.… Continue reading

“Louisiana urges Supreme Court to bar use of race in redistricting, in attack on Voting Rights Act”

August 27, 2025, 3:22 pmSupreme Court, Voting Rights ActRick Hasen

Mark Sherman for the AP: Louisiana on Wednesday abandoned its defense of a political map that elected two Black members of Congress and instead called on the Supreme Court to reject any consideration of race in redistricting in a case… Continue reading

California Supreme Court, Over No Noted Dissents, Will Allow Special Election over California Redistricting to Go Forward; There Will Likely Be Post Election Challenges to the Redistricting If the Measure Passes

August 27, 2025, 1:26 pmredistrictingRick Hasen

Details via At the Lectern.

“Fresh off Texas Senate’s approval, new congressional map is target of lawsuits”

August 27, 2025, 7:49 amredistrictingRick Hasen

Texas Tribune: Hours after the Texas Senate approved a new congressional map early Saturday morning that more heavily favors Republicans — legislation Gov. Greg Abbott plans to “swiftly” sign into law — a lawsuit against the governor was filed, alleging… Continue reading

“Justice Dept. Broadens Inquiry Into Key Players in Russia Investigation”

August 27, 2025, 7:45 amauthoritarian threats in US, chicanery, Department of JusticeRick Hasen

NYT: Pursuing a theory promoted by Trump loyalists, the Justice Department is investigating whether F.B.I. officials during and after the Biden administration tried to hide or secretly destroy documents that might cast doubt on the earlier inquiry into Russia’s attempt… Continue reading

“Silicon Valley Pledges $200 Million to New Pro-A.I. Super PACs”

August 27, 2025, 7:44 amcampaign financeRick Hasen

NYT: Silicon Valley corporations and investors, emboldened by President Trump’s embrace of the technology and crypto industries, have pledged up to $200 million to two new super PACs that are aimed at forcing out politicians whom they see as insufficiently… Continue reading

“Trump privately pushed top state lawmakers to redistrict”

August 27, 2025, 7:42 amredistrictingRick Hasen

WaPo: President Donald Trump privately pushed Indiana’s top GOPlawmakers to redraw their state’s congressional maps this week, while outside allies lodged a pressure campaign, part of an increasingly urgent effort to help Republicans preserve their narrow majority in next year’s… Continue reading

“A Dark Money Group Is Secretly Funding High-Profile Democratic Influencers”

August 27, 2025, 7:40 amcampaign finance, campaigns, chicaneryRick Hasen

Wired: In a private group chat in June, dozens of Democratic political influencers discussed whether to take advantage of an enticing opportunity. They were being offered $8,000 per month to take part in a secretive program aimed at bolstering Democratic messaging… Continue reading

“What to Expect Next in the Trump Administration’s Strategy to Meddle with the Vote”

August 27, 2025, 7:37 amauthoritarian threats in US, election administrationRick Hasen

New Brennan Center report: Last Monday, President Trump posted on social media that he would sign an executive order aimed at eliminating mail voting. It would be his second executive order on elections, following a March executive order that,… Continue reading

“Pa. election conspiracy activist appointed to election integrity role at Department of Homeland Security”

August 26, 2025, 10:31 amelection subversion risk, fraudulent fraud squadRick Hasen

WITF: A Pennsylvania-based activist tied to President Donald Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election is now overseeing election security matters for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Heather Honey, of Lebanon County, is serving as the deputy assistant secretary… Continue reading

“Judge rules Utah’s congressional map must be redrawn for the 2026 elections”

August 26, 2025, 9:12 amredistrictingRick Hasen

AP: The Utah Legislature will need to rapidly redraw the state’s congressional boundaries after a judge ruled Monday that the Republican-controlled body circumvented safeguards put in place by voters to ensure districts aren’t drawn to favor any party. The… Continue reading